I’m starting with bracelets this year, mostly because I like making them but also they are really popular and they can use up lots of odd beads in different shapes, sizes and colours especially if you go for the vintage look which is so fashionable still.

For a pretty handmade vintage beaded bracelet you will need some jewellery making chain, black or copper plated works well and a handful of headpins and spacer-beads. Next you need to choose all your beads and pendants. I like a real good mix of colours and materials to include filligree beads, glass beads, stampings, pendants and pearls. You may prefer to stick to a colourway such as goden browns and autumnal shades in an assortment of bead types, include some swarovski for a bit of sparkle and maybe a special clasp to finish the piece in style.

Bracelets such as these also sell well at  fairs and markets. Make a nice collection of them,  pop them in  pretty boxes with a little “handmade by me” label and you should have a successful day at the craft fair.

Jewellery Making -Vintage Bracelets is a post from: Bluestreak Beads

Swarovski Fancy Ring

We like to use them as connectors in necklace stringing or as a the basis for a stunning long drop earring. So if you feel like splashing out on something really special try these swarovski rings in Crystal copper and plain crystal.

New Swarovski Rings! is a post from: Bluestreak Beads

Red Magma swarovski Crystal Heart

We have hung it using a solid STS silver  bail, designed specifically for swarovski pendants.

If you prefer someything a bit more discreet we have the entire range of Swarovski crystal hearts in stock from 10mm up.

Heart with silver bail

Swarovski Crystal Heart in Red Magma! is a post from: Bluestreak Beads

Swarovski Snowflake

The snowflake pendant pictured comes in three sizes and we also stock it in plain crystal in the 20mm size.

Hang them from candlesticks to add class and sparkle to your Christmas table.

The smaller sizes are great for jewellery making. Pop a pair of festive handmade earrings in a someones stocking.

Swarovski Crystal Pendants for Christmas is a post from: Bluestreak Beads

Red Magma Galactic Pendant

Hang it on a vintage style chain or thread a piece of suede thong through it. Add more crystals and create a cluster necklace. Making beautiful  Jewellery with this lovely crystal is a piece of  cake.

If you prefer your Swarovski pendants  in other colours there are plenty available including clear, silver shade & golden shadow.

Swarovski Galactic Pendant is a post from: Bluestreak Beads

Swarovski Crystal Pearls ~ Cream

Pictured left  are the cream ones, other colours available are creamrose, bronze, white & black.

We will be increasing the range over the next few weeks.

Swarovski Pearls are nice & heavy with a flawless warm sheeny finish.

Our Swarovski pearls can be threaded with silk or one of the flexible  threads that we sell.  You might like to  have a go at stringing them in the classic way by knotting them with a pearl knotting tool.

Swarovski Crystal Pearls is a post from: Bluestreak Beads

All sizes except the 2.5mm bicone bead will be switching to the xillion cut.

They work well together but if you need the old 5301 shape specifically, please get in touch. I’ll post a picture of the new xillion beads in a few days but for nostalgia’s sake here are the old favourites.

5301 Swarovski bicones

5301 Swarovski Bicones

Swarovski 5328 XILLION replacing 5301 Bicone is a post from: Bluestreak Beads